https://www.scmp.com/rss/323445/feed The Legislative Council of Hong Kong is made up of 70 members who debate and pass bills. Half of the Legco members are directly elected by voters in geographical constituencies and the remaining 35 members are returned by 29 functional constituencies.  The next elections will be held in September 2020. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities have proposed new offences with tougher punishments for fire installation contractors who fail to obtain prior approval before deactivating firefighting systems or do not report malfunctions within 24 hours, following the city’s deadliest blaze in decades, the South China Morning Post has learned. Other proposed changes included drastically increasing the maximum penalty for existing offences related to the unauthorised handling of fire equipment and the issuance of false... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3351039/tough-punishments-proposed-stop-unapproved-shutdown-firefighting-systems?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3351039/tough-punishments-proposed-stop-unapproved-shutdown-firefighting-systems?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:30:20 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s leader has defended the government’s decision to suspend the launch of basketball betting, stressing the policy was never intended to encourage gambling and that all risks must be controlled before any further steps are taken. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the remarks on Tuesday after the government’s surprising U-turn last week to halt the launch of basketball betting this September, citing the rapid growth of prediction markets – cryptocurrency-based platforms that allow... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350833/all-risks-must-be-controlled-john-lee-says-he-defends-basketball-betting-u-turn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350833/all-risks-must-be-controlled-john-lee-says-he-defends-basketball-betting-u-turn?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:20:03 +0000 Mike Rowse Mike Rowse Many Hongkongers would have been surprised last week that the government was postponing the introduction of basketball betting. It was only months ago that the bill had been enacted by the Legislative Council. So clearly it was a matter that fell within our high degree of autonomy. And the Hong Kong Jockey Club was known to be hard at work preparing for implementation. But listeners to RTHK’s Backchat programme in early February may have come away with an inkling that all might not be well.... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350322/why-hong-kong-hitting-pause-basketball-betting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350322/why-hong-kong-hitting-pause-basketball-betting?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:30:09 +0000 Regina Ip Regina Ip For the first time in its history – and in a striking departure from its long-standing doctrine of minimal economic intervention – Hong Kong is preparing to draw up a five-year plan. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has asked all policy bureaus to help draft proposals by the end of the year. To lead the exercise, veteran civil servant Janice Tse Siu-wah has come out of retirement. The Legislative Council, not to be left out, has formed a committee supported by six coordinating groups spanning... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350403/how-markets-will-test-hong-kongs-new-economic-model?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350403/how-markets-will-test-hong-kongs-new-economic-model?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities should consider the impact of technological developments when drafting policies, observers have said, noting the government’s decision to halt plans for basketball betting reflected a lack of thorough discussion. Their remarks on Tuesday followed the government announcing the suspension over concerns about new “prediction market” gambling while warning that it was illegal for Hongkongers to bet on sports events on such trading platforms. An amendment bill to the Betting... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350095/call-check-tech-trends-when-drafting-policies-after-basketball-betting-u-turn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350095/call-check-tech-trends-when-drafting-policies-after-basketball-betting-u-turn?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:01:05 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong A statutory advisory body in Hong Kong will be given new powers as early as June to investigate government department heads over “serious, widespread or systemic” problems, as part of a broader push to institutionalise accountability for top officials. A Civil Service Bureau spokeswoman stressed that the new system targeted “implementation failures” by senior officials, but a union representative argued that major scandals often stemmed from flawed policy designs in which bureau chiefs and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350052/advisory-body-be-given-power-probe-government-department-heads-serious-offences?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350052/advisory-body-be-given-power-probe-government-department-heads-serious-offences?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:47:19 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Olga Wong Matthew Cheng,Olga Wong Hong Kong’s sole legal betting operator and lawmakers were caught off guard by the government’s abrupt decision to suspend the rollout of legal basketball betting, which some believe was intended to align with Beijing’s efforts to curb gambling amid a surge in prediction markets. The government confirmed on Monday that it had suspended its plan to launch basketball betting, which had been scheduled for September. Officials cited the rise of prediction markets – cryptocurrency-based platforms... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350048/hong-kongs-basketball-betting-u-turn-aligns-beijing-gambling-clampdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350048/hong-kongs-basketball-betting-u-turn-aligns-beijing-gambling-clampdown?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:31:21 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow Hong Kong authorities have been urged to toughen penalties for child abuse as a proposal to review protection laws for minors, which were last updated in 1995, has remained stalled for seven years. A check by the South China Morning Post found that over more than 20 years, only one of 13 serious child abuse cases involving ill-treatment or neglect of a child or young person resulted in a jail term close to the maximum of 10 years. Lawmakers earlier this month called for increasing the 10-year... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349760/time-act-stalled-proposal-toughening-child-abuse-penalties-lawmakers-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349760/time-act-stalled-proposal-toughening-child-abuse-penalties-lawmakers-say?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:00:13 +0000 Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun The head of a civil service union federation in Hong Kong has warned that tighter disciplinary action risks becoming excessive as the government seeks to revise the penalty system to handle underperforming employees this year. Leung Chau-ting, chairman of the Federation of Civil Service Unions, was responding to the Civil Service Bureau’s plan to revise the regulations to further improve the disciplinary mechanism, including tightening rules on withholding salaries during suspensions and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349736/tighter-civil-service-disciplinary-rules-risk-becoming-excessive-union-head?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349736/tighter-civil-service-disciplinary-rules-risk-becoming-excessive-union-head?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:09:46 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s smoking rate fell to 8.5 per cent last year, missing an ambitious target of 7.8 per cent, but health authorities have hailed the success of the city’s tobacco control strategy, which led to a 30 per cent decline in overall cigarette consumption. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau told a Legislative Council meeting on Friday that the rate – the prevalence of daily cigarette smokers aged 15 and older in the population – had fallen from 9.1 per cent in 2023 to 8.5 per cent last year. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3349681/health-chief-hails-tobacco-control-efforts-smoking-rate-falls-85?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3349681/health-chief-hails-tobacco-control-efforts-smoking-rate-falls-85?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:30:19 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng A proposed increase in the Hong Kong government’s borrowing cap for its bond programmes to HK$900 billion (US$115 billion) will be sufficient to finance infrastructure projects over the next three years, officials have said, while leaving the door open to further rises in the long run if needed. Andrew Lai Chi-wah, permanent secretary for financial services and the treasury, made the remarks on Thursday during a Legislative Council subcommittee meeting scrutinising the plan to lift the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349561/hong-kong-seeks-raise-bond-issuance-ceiling-hk900-billion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349561/hong-kong-seeks-raise-bond-issuance-ceiling-hk900-billion?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:22:46 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong spent HK$1.13 billion (US$144.27 million) on the Legislative Council election last year, or nearly 35 per cent more than on the previous poll, with authorities citing rising technology expenses, staff salaries and venue rentals for the increased expenditure. In a written response to lawmakers’ inquiries that came to light on Thursday, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau revealed the revised budget for the Registration and Electoral Office for the 2025-26 financial year that... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349559/hong-kong-spent-hk113-billion-legco-poll-35-over-figure-2021?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349559/hong-kong-spent-hk113-billion-legco-poll-35-over-figure-2021?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:43:25 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow Hong Kong labour authorities have ruled out setting up designated smoking areas under a proposed ban on lighting up at construction sites due to “enforcement difficulties”, while pledging to deploy drones with heat sensors to strengthen inspections. Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui Chark-shum also said on Monday that the planned smoking ban – which was proposed in the wake of the deadly Tai Po fire last November – would apply to all areas of construction sites, replacing the existing restrictions... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3348427/authorities-rule-out-smoking-areas-construction-sites-under-proposed-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3348427/authorities-rule-out-smoking-areas-construction-sites-under-proposed-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:55:23 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong railway experts have called for tougher penalties and stronger public education to prevent the misuse of emergency exits on trains following a recent incident on the MTR East Rail line that caused more than two hours of disruption during evening rush hour. The experts also cast doubt on a lawmaker’s proposal to make emergency doors less accessible, saying the move could compromise passenger safety. A preliminary investigation found that a passenger had opened the emergency exit ramp in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348262/hong-kong-mtr-track-intrusion-prompts-calls-tougher-penalties-education?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348262/hong-kong-mtr-track-intrusion-prompts-calls-tougher-penalties-education?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:36:52 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong lawmakers have expressed concern over the lack of a car park at the upgraded Huanggang border crossing, saying that providing a shuttle bus service for tour groups or motorists to reach the checkpoint building will not be convenient. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Friday that the revamped building – which is on the mainland Chinese side of the border in Shenzhen – would not have a public car park or bays for coaches. The Transport and Logistics Bureau would decide... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348211/lawmakers-concerned-over-lack-parking-huanggang-border-checkpoint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348211/lawmakers-concerned-over-lack-parking-huanggang-border-checkpoint?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:04:56 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities are facing mounting pressure from lawmakers to roll out more measures to rein in surging fuel prices, including a requirement for firms to disclose pricing formulas when bidding for petrol stations – an idea the environment minister said could be considered. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan told the Legislative Council on Wednesday the government was open to reviewing the current tender policy for petrol station sites to bring down fuel prices, a proposal... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347850/hong-kong-weighs-petrol-pricing-disclosure-rule-tenders-fuel-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347850/hong-kong-weighs-petrol-pricing-disclosure-rule-tenders-fuel-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:28:25 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong authorities will be able to demand any “specified person” decrypt electronic devices during national security investigations and may punish suspects who provide wrong passwords or falsely claim to have forgotten them, the security chief has told lawmakers. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung stressed on Tuesday that recent amendments to the national security law’s implementation rules did not create new law enforcement powers. “These amendments have only improved some... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347762/hidden-gurus-will-be-able-decrypt-devices-hong-kong-national-security-cases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347762/hidden-gurus-will-be-able-decrypt-devices-hong-kong-national-security-cases?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:41:53 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong’s legislature will retain the power to scrutinise boundary changes for the Northern Metropolis megaproject proposed by the executive branch, the city’s development chief has said, addressing concerns over proposed laws to fast-track the scheme. Under proposed legislation comprising six main subsidiary laws designed to remove bottlenecks in the massive scheme near the border with mainland China, the city’s leader and the Executive Council will be empowered to adjust its boundaries,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347760/northern-metropolis-boundary-changes-will-need-legco-approval-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347760/northern-metropolis-boundary-changes-will-need-legco-approval-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:19:01 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The performance of the new Legislative Council continues to draw scrutiny. The recent call from Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang for Legco to deliver more “practical outcomes” that align with the city’s actual conditions and Beijing’s expectations under the executive-led system has prompted more soul-searching on ways to enhance governance. The aspiration for better results under the new approach is evident. It has been suggested that Legco borrow tools from the mainland. Drawing inspiration from the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3347322/legco-could-refer-mainland-experience-boosting-efficiency?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3347322/legco-could-refer-mainland-experience-boosting-efficiency?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:15:15 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Breaking down barriers to expedite the Northern Metropolis project has become an overriding priority of the Hong Kong government, and tailor-made legislation to do just that is now on the way. This is a right step forward. Hong Kong must ensure the new laws serve the need for both speed and standards – clearing obstacles that have been holding back the city from efficient progress without sacrificing the necessary safeguards for standards and quality. Comprising six main subsidiary laws designed... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3347141/special-laws-can-help-northern-metropolis-pick-pace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3347141/special-laws-can-help-northern-metropolis-pick-pace?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:15:14 +0000 Ronny Tong Ronny Tong In my experience, most people misunderstand the concept of “separation of powers”, and so I would not be at all surprised if most people also misunderstand the term “executive-led government”. In the case of separation of powers, the confusion usually arises from the use of the word “separation”. It connotes a meaning of absolute independence or alienation. A better word would have been “division”. The concept of separation of powers focuses on the division of power in a government and how that... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346623/heres-what-executive-led-government-really-means-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346623/heres-what-executive-led-government-really-means-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong Hong Kong actor Gregory Wong Chung-yiu has lost an appeal against his conviction and jail sentence of six years and two months for abetting a riot at the Legislative Council Complex during the 2019 anti-government protests. In a written judgment delivered on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal also dismissed the complaints by six others convicted in the high-profile case. The appellants had argued their jail terms of at least four years and 7½ months were manifestly excessive. Wong was among 14... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346982/hong-kong-actor-gregory-wong-loses-appeal-against-2019-legco-storming-conviction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346982/hong-kong-actor-gregory-wong-loses-appeal-against-2019-legco-storming-conviction?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:40:30 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong lawmaker Gary Chan Hak-kan has been impersonated in a scam that defrauded a victim of HK$38,000 (US$4,850), with the legislator calling the crime despicable. Police said on Wednesday they received a report from a woman the previous day, stating she had received a call from a man pretending to be another person who persuaded her to send money under false pretences. The woman transferred HK$38,000 to an account specified by the caller but subsequently lost contact with him, prompting her... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346954/scammers-impersonate-hong-kong-lawmaker-defraud-resident-hk38000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346954/scammers-impersonate-hong-kong-lawmaker-defraud-resident-hk38000?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 02:51:51 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong authorities have proposed designated laws to streamline procedures for changing land use in the Northern Metropolis megaproject, cutting the process from typically nine months to just two. Unveiled by the Development Bureau on Tuesday, the proposed designated legislation comprises six main subsidiary laws designed to remove bottlenecks in the massive scheme near the border with mainland China. They include the establishment of statutory firms and measures to speed up land resumption... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346930/measures-streamline-northern-metropolis-land-use-procedures-unveiled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346930/measures-streamline-northern-metropolis-land-use-procedures-unveiled?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:38:49 +0000 Cui Jianchun Cui Jianchun On February 10, China’s State Council Information Office released a white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”. This is the third white paper issued by the Chinese central government on Hong Kong-related affairs since 2014. It reviews Hong Kong’s efforts in safeguarding national security, elaborates on the central government’s stance on Hong Kong’s role in maintaining national security and summarises the experience and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346515/how-national-security-and-one-country-two-systems-go-hand-hand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346515/how-national-security-and-one-country-two-systems-go-hand-hand?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Young people can opt to make self-declarations to be exempted from producing proof of address to register as electors under a new Hong Kong government drive to boost voter numbers, lawmakers have been told. A commissioner for oaths will be stationed at each Immigration Department registration of persons office, where young people replace their juvenile identity cards with adult ones upon turning 18. The initiative was outlined as officials presented the 2026 voter registration campaign at... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346785/hong-kong-new-push-get-young-people-register-voters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346785/hong-kong-new-push-get-young-people-register-voters?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:33:01 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu After the annual “two sessions” in Beijing, it’s clear that Hong Kong policymakers have their work cut out for them. It has been made abundantly clear what is expected of Hong Kong: stop messing around and get on with the national programme. Hong Kong is part of the nation’s plans to move forward. The country knows exactly where the city fits into the big picture, how it can catapult growth in key areas and play the role of superconnector between China and the rest of the world. The 15th... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346468/mainland-style-oversight-system-could-help-legco-deliver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346468/mainland-style-oversight-system-could-help-legco-deliver?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong authorities have proposed replacing Medical Council members who underperform rather than punishing them as part of an overhaul following a public outcry over a 15-year delay in an alleged medical blunder inquiry. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau also said on Sunday the government had no plans to impose rigid deadlines for each stage of complaint handling by the quasi-judicial body, saying the requirement was “asking the impossible” and the council would “be required to” set time... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346661/hong-kong-replace-not-punish-underperforming-medical-council-members?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346661/hong-kong-replace-not-punish-underperforming-medical-council-members?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:35:44 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Careless driving without causing damage or injuries is hardly news, except when public figures or people in positions of authority are involved. The incident where Hong Kong legislator Judy Chan Kapui drove against traffic early this year continues to draw public attention as it concerns not just the rule of law but also the conduct of lawmakers under the revamped “all-patriots” governance approach. So far, the case is being handled in accordance with the law and procedures, and rightly so. As... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346314/judy-chan-careless-driving-case-reminder-high-expectations-lawmakers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346314/judy-chan-careless-driving-case-reminder-high-expectations-lawmakers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s legislature will consider establishing a dedicated mechanism to scrutinise the implementation of approved bills and funding, drawing inspiration from mainland China’s law enforcement inspection system, according to its president. Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king also dismissed concerns that the city’s first five-year plan would undermine the “one country, two systems” governing principle, emphasising the blueprint would be consistent with the capitalist system and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345994/hong-kong-legco-explore-mainland-style-oversight-system-bills-enforcement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345994/hong-kong-legco-explore-mainland-style-oversight-system-bills-enforcement?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:00:08 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Proposals by Hong Kong’s pension regulator to increase Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions for higher-paid workers by up to 33 per cent could worsen business challenges and hurt the jobs market, a lawmaker and human resources expert have warned. A labour representative, however, urged the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) to pursue even bolder increases to meet statutory requirements and reflect rising salaries. The MPFA had announced that it was reviewing the maximum... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346008/proposed-33-rise-mpf-payments-may-deepen-business-pressures-hit-jobs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346008/proposed-33-rise-mpf-payments-may-deepen-business-pressures-hit-jobs?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:39:13 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong A Hong Kong lawmaker has been fined HK$2,000 (US$256) for driving on the wrong side of a road in Wan Chai earlier this year. Eastern Court on Monday also suspended Judy Chan Kapui, 45, from driving for one month after she pleaded guilty to a count of careless driving. “I deeply regret that my careless driving affected other road users,” Chan told presiding magistrate David Ko Wai-hung, adding that she had stopped driving and would accept any legal consequences. Ko noted the defendant was issued... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345963/hong-kong-lawmaker-judy-chan-fined-hk2000-driving-against-traffic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345963/hong-kong-lawmaker-judy-chan-fined-hk2000-driving-against-traffic?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:45:40 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Edith Lin Matthew Cheng,Edith Lin Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has urged Hong Kong’s legislature to deliver more “practical outcomes” that align with the city’s actual conditions and meet Beijing’s expectations under the executive-led governance system. Emphasising the importance of the executive-led system for the second day in a row, the state leader reiterated on Saturday that its implementation was not solely the responsibility of the city leader or the government, as he outlined his expectations for the Legislative... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345787/deliver-more-practical-outcomes-chinese-vice-premier-tells-hong-kong-legco?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345787/deliver-more-practical-outcomes-chinese-vice-premier-tells-hong-kong-legco?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 02:37:20 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu Hong Kong will expand its tax exemptions for operators of family offices and funds set up by international organisations, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), in line with efforts to promote the city as a wealth management hub, a minister told lawmakers on Monday. In a financial affairs panel meeting, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui Ching-yu, said the government would submit a bill to the Legislative Council within the first half of this... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3345119/hong-kong-expand-tax-exemptions-family-offices-aiib-and-pension-fund-investment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3345119/hong-kong-expand-tax-exemptions-family-offices-aiib-and-pension-fund-investment?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:21:20 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words I fully support the government’s plan to amend fire safety law by introducing fixed penalties for violations (“Tougher fire safety rules expected in new Hong Kong bill, including fixed penalties”, February 9). As a registered professional surveyor, I believe the current... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3344818/hong-kong-cannot-allow-wait-and-see-approach-fire-safety?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3344818/hong-kong-cannot-allow-wait-and-see-approach-fire-safety?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:30:08 +0000 Emily Hung,Fiona Chow Emily Hung,Fiona Chow A “relatively flexible” legal framework for Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis will be introduced to the Legislative Council later this month to fast-track the megaproject’s development, a minister has said. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho shared the update on the planned framework on Sunday, days after the city’s latest budget sought to allocate HK$30 billion (US$3.8 billion) for the megaproject set to span 30,000 hectares (74,130 acres) in the New Territories. Authorities will... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345048/legal-framework-northern-metropolis-be-tabled-legco-late-march?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345048/legal-framework-northern-metropolis-be-tabled-legco-late-march?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:16:32 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Some anxious residents of fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court have urged Hong Kong authorities to help them climb stairs using makeshift aids when they return to their high-rise homes to collect personal belongings next month. Some lawmakers also proposed on Saturday that the government deploy wearable walking robots, stair-climbing trolleys or wheelchairs to assist elderly residents of the Tai Po estate devastated by the inferno that claimed 168 lives and displaced nearly 5,000 people in November. They... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344993/hi-tech-aids-proposed-help-elderly-climb-stairs-fire-ravaged-tai-po-flats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344993/hi-tech-aids-proposed-help-elderly-climb-stairs-fire-ravaged-tai-po-flats?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:03:36 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing The Hong Kong government has produced a consolidated surplus earlier than expected, its first in four years, ahead of a rare transfer into coffers from the Exchange Fund and other sources. Wednesday’s budget pointed to fund transfers of HK$127.83 billion (US$16.35 billion) and an 11.1 per cent jump in government revenues contributing to another surplus for 2026-27, on top of the one for the 2025-26 financial year. “We will bring back about HK$15.8 billion from funds established outside the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344651/rare-move-take-income-out-exchange-fund-pay-northern-metropolis-other-big-projects?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344651/rare-move-take-income-out-exchange-fund-pay-northern-metropolis-other-big-projects?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:12:55 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong’s civil service chief has defended a decision to open up recruitment externally for the role of food and environmental hygiene director, saying the move aims to attract experts who can take the lead in using technology to enforce laws. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan also stressed on Monday that anyone hired externally would have no chance to climb the ranks as the next role would be permanent secretary, a position which, under regulations, must be held by... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3344315/open-recruitment-hygiene-chief-can-attract-innovator-tech-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3344315/open-recruitment-hygiene-chief-can-attract-innovator-tech-push?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:07:06 +0000 Jane Lee Jane Lee When Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong recently described Hong Kong’s executive-led system as a distinct governance model, he elevated it from an administrative arrangement to constitutional doctrine. A doctrine is not merely about structure. It is about how governance power is exercised. In Hong Kong’s executive-led system, that exercise begins with engaging the governed. The national security white paper unveiled earlier this month highlights the need to achieve both... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3344060/executive-led-governance-hong-kong-must-start-listening-people?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3344060/executive-led-governance-hong-kong-must-start-listening-people?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong plumber Anson Hui Po-lung is ready to work through his Lunar New Year break to make ends meet, after struggling since the citywide removal of scaffolding nets began in early December following the deadly blaze at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court. Twenty public housing projects and 230 private buildings undergoing major maintenance had to suspend facade work after the removal of the nets, threatening the livelihoods of about 700 workers for more than two months. As of mid-February, only 19... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343838/hong-kong-workers-hit-halt-facade-repairs-after-deadly-tai-po-fire-overhaul?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343838/hong-kong-workers-hit-halt-facade-repairs-after-deadly-tai-po-fire-overhaul?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow A Hong Kong appellate court will announce its decisions next Monday on the appeals of 12 activists convicted of conspiring to subvert state power in an unofficial election, and also rule on an acquitted defendant in the city’s largest national security trial. Eleven of the 12 found guilty over a scheme during the 2020 Legislative Council election to undermine, destroy or overthrow the administration earlier lodged appeals against their convictions and sentences. They have been serving jail... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343713/hong-kong-court-announce-verdict-appeals-12-jailed-activists-february-23?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343713/hong-kong-court-announce-verdict-appeals-12-jailed-activists-february-23?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:39:42 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s transport chief has pledged to fully review the ill-fated mandatory seat belt rule for bus passengers, including improving strap designs and examining possible exemptions, before relaunching the policy. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Sunday the government would adopt a four-pronged approach to address public concerns over the requirement, starting by working with franchised bus operators to improve the installation, design and maintenance of seat belts to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343610/hong-kong-fully-review-plans-bus-seat-belt-rules-relaunch-mable-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343610/hong-kong-fully-review-plans-bus-seat-belt-rules-relaunch-mable-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Feb 2026 04:43:29 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s rail operator is under pressure to explain whether human error was behind a 1½-hour partial shutdown of the Island line on Wednesday and to strengthen staff training to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ex-lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu, a former MTR Corporation engineer, said on Thursday that the previous day’s disruption was very likely to have been caused by non-compliance with maintenance protocols. “The coming investigation should focus on whether maintenance protocols were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343256/mtr-corp-urged-probe-possible-human-error-after-hong-kong-island-line-shutdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343256/mtr-corp-urged-probe-possible-human-error-after-hong-kong-island-line-shutdown?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:19:20 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong authorities are considering allowing a maximum of two dogs per diner into restaurants licensed under a new pet-friendly policy, with the permits possibly being granted only to larger premises at the outset. A day after authorities told lawmakers that they had no intention of setting limits on the number of dogs per customer allowed into restaurants, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said on Wednesday that the government was reconsidering the matter after receiving... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3343161/hong-kong-government-may-set-limit-2-dogs-diner-under-new-pet-friendly-policy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3343161/hong-kong-government-may-set-limit-2-dogs-diner-under-new-pet-friendly-policy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:17:25 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s lowest-paid workers are set to receive a pay rise of HK$1 per hour, from the current HK$42.10 (US$5.40) to HK$43.10, as recommended by the government’s top decision-making body, with the new rate expected to come into force as early as May. The government announced on Tuesday that the Executive Council had adopted the proposal from the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC), which had suggested the 2.38 per cent increase. The amendment will be tabled in the legislature on February 25. Subject... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3343063/hong-kongs-minimum-wage-set-rise-hk1-hour-hk4310?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3343063/hong-kongs-minimum-wage-set-rise-hk1-hour-hk4310?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:24:43 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words Hong Kong took a long-awaited step in July 2025 when the Legislative Council passed amendments allowing patients to seek physiotherapy without a doctor’s referral. For people with common musculoskeletal conditions such as shoulder strain and neck pain, the reform was meant to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3342629/meaningful-direct-access-physiotherapy-still-elusive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3342629/meaningful-direct-access-physiotherapy-still-elusive?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Feb 2026 03:30:08 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu To err is human. But when an error funnels through a system that has safeguards, the error is supposed to be caught and rectified. Checks and balances are written into the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini constitution. Hong Kong has an executive-led system, which means it is the executive branch’s job to formulate and implement policies, as well as “draft and introduce bills, motions and subordinate legislation”. The legislature’s job is “to enact, amend or repeal laws”. Therefore, lawmakers are the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3342674/bus-seat-belt-fiasco-proves-good-governance-requires-more-efficiency?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3342674/bus-seat-belt-fiasco-proves-good-governance-requires-more-efficiency?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Feb 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Natalie Wong Jeffie Lam,Natalie Wong Hong Kong’s U-turn on its seat belt rule for buses is a sobering reminder to lawmakers that they must meet higher standards even under the “executive-led” governance model recently underlined by Beijing, according to several policy experts. They said some lawmakers had been complacent, prioritising speed over efficacy in policymaking in a “patriots-only” legislature with no opposition presence, and would have to share the responsibility for administrative missteps. Xia Baolong, director of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3342829/are-hong-kongs-lawmakers-also-blame-over-seat-belt-law-blunder?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3342829/are-hong-kongs-lawmakers-also-blame-over-seat-belt-law-blunder?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 09:55:44 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog plans to consult lawmakers this year about introducing mandatory data breach reporting and related penalties, the body’s chief has said. Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ada Chung Lai-ling on Saturday revealed details about the proposed legislative amendments to the city’s privacy ordinance, after authorities stalled the plan in 2024 over concerns the measures could hurt the local business environment. “We really hope that we have some specific recommendations... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342754/hong-kong-plans-revive-privacy-law-mandating-firms-report-data-breaches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342754/hong-kong-plans-revive-privacy-law-mandating-firms-report-data-breaches?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Feb 2026 07:18:01 +0000